Three Shropshire mobile library vans face axe

THREE MOBILE library vans in Shropshire could be axed, a report revealed today.

Recommendations about the future of Shropshire Council's mobile library service will be presented to cabinet next week following a county-wide consultation with residents. One is to review the number of stops across the county.

This could lead to the size of the fleet being cut from eight to five.

Recommendations also include keeping stops in areas which are not close to a community library, enhancing and increasing the promotion and publicity of the service, and introducing a more flexible service to care homes.

It is not yet known which areas in the county will be affected by the changes and no final decision on the mobile library service has been made.

Almost 900 responses were received from the mobile library review, which was set up by the council's Mobile Library Task and Finish Group.

Councillor Steve Charmley, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said, "The mobile library service hasn't been subject to significant review for a number of years.

"Patterns of use have changed over the years and community libraries have improved their opening hours which have not been reflected by the mobile service.

"This has been a thorough review of the service, which we know is highly regarded by our local communities, and has looked at different ways in which we can continue to deliver a top-quality service in a more cost-effective way."

Councillor Martin Bennett, chair of the task and finish group, said: "I would like to thank everyone who responded to the consultation - residents, users, parish councils and groups.

"The response was great and we have carefully considered their views."

The cabinet meeting will take place next Wednesday at Shirehall.

Council officials said further information would be available as and when proposals were developed and implemented.

Consultation with staff working in the service has also begun.

Any changes will be implemented from the beginning of April.

For more information and to view the report visit www.shropshire.gov.uk

By James Pugh